The highly anticipated train station planned for the Beaulieu Park area of Chelmsford has taken a major step forward after the contract between Essex County Council and Network Rail was signed this week.
This first important stage of the agreement means plans to start construction of the station can begin in the new year, with Network Rail to announce a delivery contractor by end of January 2023.
The new station, along with the Chelmsford North East Bypass, is being funded by £218 million from the Government’s Housing and Infrastructure Fund, together with £34 million from the South East Local Enterprise Partnership and developer Countryside Zest.
It is expected that the station will be completed and opened to passenger services by end of 2025.
The station will be situated on the Great Eastern Mainline (GEML) with trains running into Liverpool Street.
Cllr Lesley Wagland OBE, ECC Cabinet member for Economic Renewal, Infrastructure and Planning, said: “This is an exciting and significant step forward in work on the new Beaulieu Park station getting started. It will not only provide an important service to commuters in Chelmsford and ease congestion in the city centre, it allows Essex County Council to future proof transport services in the area and support wider economic growth.”
Ellie Burrows, Network Rail’s route director for Anglia said: “By working in partnership to deliver a new railway station for the Beaulieu Park, this is a great example of how the railway industry can work proactively with local government and private enterprise to deliver growth and prosperity for local communities.
“With construction set to begin early in 2023, Beaulieu Park will be the first new station built on the Great Eastern main line in over 100 years, providing a new gateway to London, Essex and beyond.”
Chelmsford MP Vicky Ford said: “I am over the moon that the contract has now been signed and that building work is going to start imminently. Chelmsford residents have been promised this station for the last 40 years. It has been my top priority since becoming Chelmsford’s MP and now it is being delivered."
Cllr Stephen Robinson, Leader of Chelmsford City Council, said: “The new station is an important part of the extensive and vital infrastructure being put in place to support the new Chelmsford Garden Community. It will reduce the need to drive into central Chelmsford and tackle congestion, by encouraging greener options like cycling, walking and public transport.”
Martin Leach, Managing Director, Strategic Land and Major Projects, Countryside Zest, said: “We are thrilled that the plans for a new train station at Beaulieu are coming to fruition.
"This key milestone, which we have worked so hard to deliver, will not only significantly improve the transport connections for the residents at Beaulieu, but also the wider Chelmsford Garden Village community.
"We are delighted to have reached this agreement with our partners Essex County Council, Chelmsford City Council and Network Rail, bringing the delivery of this vital piece of infrastructure one step closer. We look forward to work starting on site in the new year.”
Adam Simpson, Director of Project Management and Development at L&Q, said:
“We are very excited to be progressing with the growth and regeneration of this new community in the heart of Essex and infrastructure forms a key part of that. The significant investment for a new train station at Beaulieu and the continued support and partnership work with Essex County Council and Network Rail will enable us to improve not only local transport connections, but also the lifestyle of thousands of residents.”
The decision is subject to a call-in period, which ends on Monday 19 December.
The new station at Beaulieu will include:
- Three platforms with a central loop line and new tracks to enable stopping services to call at the station while allowing fast trains to pass through unimpeded
- Step free access to all platforms via 2 lifts
- Ticketing facilities, with ticket vending machines and a gate line
- Accessible toilets, baby change facilities, waiting area and space for retail/catering
- Parking for over 700 cars, 5% of which to be designated Blue Badge bays, and motorcycle spaces, as well as dedicated parking for station staff, emergency services, and a dedicated space for service access.
- Pick up and drop off area with dedicated taxi bays
- A bus interchange including bus stands for local services
- 500 spaces for cycle parking and storage
- Pedestrian and cycle access routes to the station